Let me 'splain you something--my weekend was too busy, too short, didn't have enough sleep in it, had one too many kids with fevers, trips to the doctor for an ear infection and I basically felt like a tragedy in a body for the last 48 hours. BUT (there's always a but), I had the most fun. I'm honestly still not sure how except for this gratitude practice I have thanks to Alexis Donkin (
What is a "gratitude practice"?
Basically, when something sucks, I give it gratitude. I sometimes sit on my meditation cushion, which I've found is a good way to signal myself to focus. I think really hard about the thing that sucks while consciously filling my heart with love and choosing to give that love to the bad situation while thanking it for teaching me whatever I am or might be learning.
Yeah, it's not easy. It feels very counterintuitive. But when you deal with depression and anxiety, like me, your thoughts can easily spiral out of control. A gratitude practice is an amazing way to rewire your thinking through reframing negative experience. I can't tell you how many rabbit holes I have climbed out of by doing this.
So what about today am I grateful for?
Item One: I have a sick kiddo in front of me right now. She's sipping tea through a straw and watching YouTube videos. Her hair is a hot mess, her face is booger central, and she is surrounded by stuffies. I had to cancel my workout this morning so I could keep her home from school. BUT . . . my body needs a break. I love snuggling. Now I get to spend my day snuggling with my daughter while she's feeling subdued (she's usually high energy and higher irritation). It's kind of wonderful? Plus she's so cute. My heart is brimming.
Item Two: My wrist hurts way more than I want it to, but guess what? I'm out of my wrist brace for the sprain I managed three weeks ago. Not all the time. I still have to wrap my wrist for exercise, and I definitely do not have full mobility, plus, you know, the pain. BUT . . . I am healing. I am being reminded to pay attention to what my body needs, and the pain in my arm keeps attracting our service poodle who is giving me extra kisses and snuggles. Have you figured out yet that I'm a cuddler?
Item Three: It is cold outside. I hate cold weather. BUT. . . cold weather means using my fireplace insert and blower. I did that last night. I could feel the heat coming up the stairs. It really worked, and the fire gave me this feeling like I could restwhich, as you've gathered, I haven't been able to do much of despite my husband letting me sleep in.
There you have it. Three things that aren't obviously great reframed in my heart with gratitude. I'd love to help you reframe some thoughts if you are struggling.
images from pixabay.com